Breast Revision in New Orleans, LA

Breast revision corrects circumstances where a previous breast augmentation procedure has resulted in an unsatisfactory outcome. The surgery focuses on removal, replacement, or making a switch from saline to silicone-based implants.  Some of the most common reasons why you may choose to undergo revision surgery include:

Breast Implant Removal

Individuals who undergo breast augmentation do so to increase their breast size, primarily for aesthetic reasons. However, after breast augmentation, some women may be dissatisfied with their results and opt to revert to their previous breast size. Others may want to remove their implants because of health concerns or other personal reasons. Breast revision surgery is a procedure in which the implant is removed and the skin over the breast is tightened to ensure the breast sits in a natural position. Combining breast implant removal with fat transfer is recommended to enhance the overall look and feel of your natural breasts.

Ruptured Implant

Despite the guarantee that implants are safe and leaks are rare, there are cases in which the silicone implant shell breaks down, leading to a leak or rupture. This is known as implant failure. If the implant is filled with saline, the solution will be absorbed by your body, and you will see a noticeable deflation of your breast. In the case of silicone implants, the thick, cohesive gel typically stays within the breast pocket, and the only way to verify a possible rupture is through MRI or ultrasound imaging, as the implant will retain its shape.

Capsular Contracture

When you get breast augmentation, your body creates a capsule of scar tissue around each implant. In most cases, this scar tissue remains soft and pliable, but in some cases, it hardens and constricts around your breast, a complication known as capsular contracture. As the scar tissue hardens, it tightens around the implant, which causes your breasts to feel hard and uncomfortable and look misshapen. Capsular contracture can only be corrected by removing the implant and performing a capsulectomy to surgically remove the scar tissue. You may then choose to replace your implants or leave them out altogether.

Breast Rippling

For patients who have little body fat or natural breast tissue, implant rippling can be a concern. For thin patients with low body fat or those without enough natural breast tissue to adequately cover the implant, the edges may be visible, and noticeable rippling can sometimes be seen beneath or along the sides of the breasts. While implant rippling is not really considered a complication, the unnatural wrinkling may cause discomfort and an unsightly appearance. Rippling is most common with saline implants. Implant rippling can often be mitigated by fat transfer to the breast, as the fat will smooth the transition between the breast and the implant.

Double Bubble Implant Deformity

When an implant moves out of the intended breast pocket, it may create a double-breast appearance, with a noticeable crease. Implants that are not properly placed may drop and extend past your breast crease (the area where your breast meets your chest wall) or rise, forming an odd volume on top of your breasts. Implant displacement may occur for several reasons, including improper surgical technique or capsular contracture. Revision surgery is the only way to correct a double bubble deformity.

Breast Size Adjustment

Breast implants vary widely when it comes to size, texture, shape, and base width. Some patients may be unhappy with how their breasts look after augmentation and may consider revision surgery to improve their appearance. Revisions may include a size increase or decrease, or a switch from a rounded implant to a more natural-looking teardrop-shaped implant. To help you decide on the appearance you desire, Dr. Khoobehi will use the VECTRA® 3D imaging system during your consultation. He will modify the images using different implant types and sizes based on your tissue type and chest width. He will then use those images to help you decide which breast implant is right for your particular body type and desired results.